Can You Have a Dog if You Work 9 to 5?

Working a 9-to-5 job doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. But it does mean you need to plan smarter-not harder. If you’re thinking about getting a puppy or adopting a dog while holding down a full-time job, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the UK balance work and pet ownership every day. The real question isn’t whether you can do it-it’s whether you’re ready to do it right.

Time Isn’t the Only Problem

People assume the biggest issue is being away from home for eight hours. That’s part of it, sure. But what really trips people up is the lack of routine. Dogs don’t care if you’re busy. They care if they’re fed, walked, and mentally stimulated. A dog left alone all day with no structure will start chewing shoes, barking nonstop, or having accidents indoors. It’s not rebellion-it’s stress.

Studies from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) show that dogs left alone for more than six hours daily are three times more likely to develop separation anxiety. That’s not a myth. It’s biology. Dogs are pack animals. They bond deeply. And when you’re gone, they don’t think, “Oh, they’ll be back in eight hours.” They think, “Did I do something wrong?”

Choose the Right Dog

Not all breeds handle alone time the same way. A high-energy Border Collie? Probably not the best fit for a 9-to-5 schedule. A calm, low-energy breed like a Basset Hound, Bulldog, or Greyhound? Much better.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Best for 9-to-5 workers: Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Greyhound, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Avoid if you’re gone all day: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky

Age matters too. Puppies under six months need bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours. They can’t hold it. If you’re bringing home a puppy while working full-time, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of cleaning-and a lot of stress. Consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter instead. Many are already house-trained and calmer.

Build a Routine That Works

Your dog doesn’t need you to be home all day. They need you to be consistent. Here’s how to structure your day:

1. Morning walk (before work): 20-30 minutes. This burns energy and signals the start of the day.
2. Feed breakfast: Use a slow feeder or puzzle toy to make mealtime last 15-20 minutes.
3. Leave toys: Rotate puzzle toys, Kongs filled with peanut butter or frozen broth, and chew-safe bones. Don’t leave one toy all week-rotate them daily to keep things interesting.
4. Use a dog camera: A pet camera with two-way audio lets you check in, talk to them, and even dispense treats remotely. Brands like Furbo and Petcube work well.
5. Midday dog walker: Pay someone to come by for a 15-20 minute walk and bathroom break. Even once a day makes a huge difference. Look for local services on apps like DogBuddy or Pawshake.
6. Evening routine: Another walk, dinner, and some quiet playtime. End with a calming routine-soft music, gentle petting-to signal bedtime.

That’s it. No need to quit your job. Just add a few small habits.

Separation Anxiety? Here’s How to Spot It

If your dog does any of these when you’re gone, they’re stressed:

• Excessive barking or howling
• Chewing on doors, windows, or furniture
• Urinating or defecating inside-even if they’re house-trained
• Pacing, drooling, or panting without reason
• Trying to escape or digging at doors

It’s not bad behavior. It’s panic. The fix isn’t punishment. It’s gradual desensitization. Start by leaving the house for five minutes. Come back. Do it again. Then ten minutes. Then twenty. Build up slowly. Pair it with a special treat they only get when you leave-like a frozen Kong. That way, your departure becomes a positive event.

What About Puppy Toys?

Puppy toys aren’t just for fun. They’re survival tools. A bored dog with nothing to chew will find something else-and it won’t be a toy. Invest in durable, safe options:

• Kong Classic: Fill with kibble and freeze it. Lasts hours.
• West Paw Zogoflex: Chew-resistant, non-toxic, and dishwasher-safe.
• Outward Hound Puzzle Toys: Treat-dispensing games that keep dogs mentally engaged.
• Rawhide alternatives: Look for bully sticks or Himalayan yak chews. Safer than rawhide.

Rotate toys every 2-3 days. If your dog gets bored with the same ones, they’ll start looking for other things to destroy.

What If You Can’t Come Home at All?

If you’re truly gone 10+ hours a day, five days a week, and can’t afford a dog walker, reconsider. A dog isn’t a decoration. It’s a living creature with emotional needs. If you can’t meet them, you’re setting both yourself and the dog up for heartbreak.

But if you’re willing to adapt-hire a walker, use a doggy daycare once a week, install a camera, and stick to a routine-you can absolutely make it work. Many people do. And their dogs are happy, healthy, and well-loved.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Time. It’s About Commitment.

You don’t need to be home all day. You need to be present when you’re there. That means paying attention. That means not just feeding them, but playing with them. Not just walking them, but enjoying the walk. Dogs don’t care if you have a corner office. They care if you notice when they’re happy.

If you’re ready to give your dog that kind of attention-on your terms, with smart planning-then yes, you can have a dog even if you work 9 to 5. And they’ll love you for it.